The air inside Trihexia's private chamber was filled with tension. The small girl sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by a halo of floating grimoires, each opened to a different page filled with celestial texts and demonic runes. In her hands, she clutched a glowing white crystal infused with divine energy—a direct communication link to one of Heaven's highest authorities.

A calm, measured voice echoed from within the crystal.

"Can you repeat that, please?"

Trihexia scowled, her patience already thinning. She had spent hours digging through ancient texts, searching for anything—anything—that could explain the vision that had shaken her to her core. And after finding nothing, she had swallowed her pride and contacted him.

"Like I told you, Michael! I saw an angel—no, a fallen—with black wings and a red halo! Now tell me, do you know anyone with that description, or am I wasting my time?!"

A sigh came from the crystal.

"Trihexia, that is not how you should speak to your elders."

Trihexia's left eye twitched. "WE'RE THE SAME AGE! I'M JUST USING THIS FORM BECAUSE NARUTO IS A LOLICON!"

There was a brief pause, followed by another sigh—this one heavier.

"Moving past that unsettling detail," Michael continued, "you said this being had black wings? That would mark them as a Fallen Angel. However… a red halo? That is another matter entirely."

Trihexia's irritation faded as she caught the hesitation in Michael's tone. He was always so composed, so methodical—never one to react without reason. But now, there was something unusual in his voice.

Worry.

"Fallen Angels do not have halos," Michael went on. "When an angel falls, they lose their halo along with their purity. It is a law of our existence. The only logical conclusion would be that this fallen was a hybrid. However, such a thing should be impossible—angels and devils are fundamentally incompatible in nature."

Michael suddenly fell silent.

Trihexia frowned. "The only thing left is what, Michael?"

The crystal flickered in her hand. When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter, more reserved.

"How many wings did this fallen have?"

Trihexia shut her eyes and recalled the vision in perfect clarity. The burning sky. The ruined land. The figure standing atop the destruction, their crimson halo crackling with black lightning. Twelve vast, black wings spread wide behind them, casting a shadow over the obliterated battlefield.

Her blood ran cold.

"...Twelve," she whispered.

A long silence stretched between them.

Michael exhaled sharply. "Then we have a problem."

Trihexia's grip on the crystal tightened. "Michael… this isn't you, is it?!"

"Heaven's no!" Michael's voice was sharp with offense. "I would never allow myself to fall. But you're right—if what you saw was real, then a Seraph has fallen."

Trihexia felt something coil in her gut—an ancient, instinctual fury. Seraphs were the highest-ranking angels, direct messengers of the divine, paragons of order and righteousness. If one had truly fallen and somehow retained their halo… that meant they had broken past the limitations of both heaven and hell.

They had become something new.

Something worse.

Michael's tone was grim. "If such a being exists, they would be beyond anything we have seen before. I will investigate from my side. Whatever happens, I will not allow another of my family to fall."

Trihexia didn't answer.

She simply terminated the connection.

The crystal dimmed, its golden glow fading. Slowly, she stood, her small form trembling—not in fear, but in something far more dangerous.

The air around her thickened with raw power. The runes lining the floor of her chamber cracked as waves of dark energy pulsed from her body. Outside, the Underworld's sky—normally a dull purple—flared a deep, blood-red.

Her voice was a whisper, but it carried the weight of a divine edict.

"Whoever you are… whatever you have become…"

A black aura erupted around her, distorting space itself.

"I will destroy you."

Chapter 6: Home

The salty breeze of the open sea rushed past Lucy's face as she leaned over the boat's railing, watching the clear turquoise waters ripple beneath them. The journey across the ocean toward Galuna Island had been peaceful—at least, up until now.

Gabriel's excited voice broke through the rhythmic crashing of the waves.

"Lucy-sama! Look!" The angel pointed with childlike enthusiasm toward a pod of dolphins leaping gracefully from the water, their sleek bodies shimmering under the sunlight.

Lucy glanced up, but her attention was immediately stolen by something far less majestic—their boatman, Bobo. The burly, scruffy man had been ogling Akeno since the moment they boarded. His beady eyes lingered far too long on her curves, his grin practically splitting his face in half.

Lucy huffed, leaning toward Akeno with a whisper. "Aren't you even a little bit bothered that he's practically drooling over you?"

Akeno, ever composed, merely smiled, her violet eyes twinkling with amusement. "Fufu~ Not at all, Lucy." She leaned in closer, lowering her voice. "After all… only Naruto-kun can touch me."

Lucy shuddered slightly at the way she said it—teasing, possessive, and entirely confident. "Ugh, fine, but he's still staring!" She shot another glare at Bobo, who was barely paying attention to steering the boat at this point.

"Of course he is," Akeno replied smoothly, tilting her head. "He's giving me magic."

Lucy blinked. "What?"

Akeno chuckled and finally turned her full attention to Lucy. "You see, we devils naturally absorb magic from humans when they experience the Seven Sins—Lust, Greed, Wrath, Sloth… You get the idea." She gestured subtly toward Bobo. "He's feeling Lust toward me, which means he's fueling me."

Lucy's jaw nearly dropped. "Wait—so that actually makes you stronger?!"

"Precisely." Akeno's smile turned smug. "Naruto-kun experiences the same effect. If someone feels Wrath toward him, for example, they unintentionally fuel his magic."

Gabriel, listening intently, clasped her hands together in delight. "That's amazing, Akeno-san! It works similarly for us angels! When a person experiences pure emotions—like love, hope, or joy—we receive a boost in our celestial power!"

Lucy's head was starting to spin. "So… does that mean I'm giving you magic?"

Gabriel beamed. "Of course, Lucy-sama! You are my source of joy! Your determination, your passion, your kindness… all of it strengthens me!"

Lucy flushed slightly, caught between embarrassment and flattery. "T-That's kind of a lot to take in…"

Gray, who had somehow slipped onto the boat at the last second, finally spoke up. "So… what happens if we're near you two for too long?"

Akeno's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Well, for normal humans? Nothing at all."

Lucy exhaled in relief—until Akeno turned toward her, eyes gleaming.

"But for Lucy… fufu~"

Lucy tensed. "...W-What do you mean?"

Akeno leaned in closer, her breath tickling Lucy's ear. "You're affected by our Sins, Lucy. When you're near Naruto, his aura influences you."

Lucy gulped. "I-I don't feel anything now…"

Akeno giggled. "That's because Naruto-kun isn't here."

Just hearing his name sent a jolt through Lucy's body. Her heartbeat spiked before she could even process what was happening.

Akeno's smile widened. "See? Your Lust just spiked. Naughty girl~"

"SH-SHUT UP!" Lucy covered her face with her hands, completely mortified.

Before Akeno could tease her further, the atmosphere suddenly shifted.

Omen of the Island

The skies darkened, clouds swirling into an unnatural vortex. The once-gentle sea turned violent, the waves crashing aggressively against the boat's hull.

Gabriel, blissfully unaware of danger, pointed forward. "Lucy-sama! What is that?!"

Lucy followed her gaze and froze.

A massive wall of water was rising in the distance, towering like an unstoppable force.

Her voice caught in her throat. "T-That's a—"

"A TSUNAMI?!"

The wave loomed above them, stretching high into the sky, ready to swallow them whole.

Akeno's usual playful demeanor vanished, her expression sharpening. Black lightning crackled at her fingertips as she raised her hand toward the incoming disaster.

"Ara ara~ I suppose I'll take care of this," she mused, preparing to obliterate the wave with a single strike of demonic energy.

But before she could unleash her power—

A blinding pillar of light descended from the heavens.

The moment it touched the ocean's surface, the massive wave disintegrated, evaporating into harmless mist.

The skies cleared instantly, the storm dissolving as though it had never existed.

A figure descended from the sky, bathed in divine radiance. Clad in gleaming silver and gold armor, twelve golden wings stretched from his back, shining with overwhelming celestial power.

Gabriel's eyes widened in recognition.

"O-Onii-sama?!"

Naruto extended his hand, the space before him rippling like water disturbed by an unseen force. A vortex of hellfire and shadow collapsed inward, forming a swirling purple portal at the guild's entrance. The gathered Fairy Tail mages watched with wide eyes, the unnatural energy sending a shiver down their spines.

"Wait! I shall come with you."

The firm voice of Erza Scarlet broke through the murmurs of the crowd. She stepped forward, her crimson hair fluttering in the breeze, her expression resolute.

Naruto, still holding the portal open, turned to her with a raised brow. "I know you're cute, but this is my job."

Erza stiffened, caught off guard by the unexpected remark. A dusting of pink crossed her cheeks, but she quickly recovered. "A-According to guild protocol, an S-Class Mage must accompany any unauthorized S-Class mission." She met his gaze, unwavering.

Naruto sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Infuriating… Old man, is she serious?"

Makarov nodded, his tiny frame belying the weight of his authority. "Rules are rules, boy. You'll need to bring her along."

Another sigh. Naruto turned back toward the portal. "Fine. If anyone else wants to come, you have five seconds before it closes."

Erza immediately stepped through, vanishing into the swirling darkness.

The other mages hesitated. The idea of going on an S-Class mission—especially with Titania—was intimidating enough, but doing so without permission? Even more so.

But one person couldn't stand idly by.

Mira Jane Strauss.

A storm of emotions battled within her. Anxiety, guilt, determination. She had stood on the sidelines for too long. Clenching her fists, Mira pushed forward.

With a final burst of resolve, she sprinted toward the portal.

"Lisanna… I won't be weak anymore."

At the last possible second, Mira leaped into the swirling abyss—

And crashed right into Erza.

Mira groaned, feeling the impact beneath her. A firm, armored chest? Soft fabric? Metal?

"…"

Slowly, she opened her eyes… and immediately regretted it.

She was on top of Erza, her hand accidentally cupping something metallic and round—Erza's breastplate.

More concerning, she could feel something else.

A firm hand was gripping her rear.

Naruto, now standing over them, stared. His usually stoic face remained unreadable, but his nose was definitely bleeding. And then, with a slow thumbs-up, he said:

"…Infuriating."

"HENTAI!"

A twin iron-fisted punch sent Naruto soaring into a nearby tree, leaving an imprint of his body in the bark.

Mira, face burning red, scrambled off Erza, tugging her dress down. "I-I didn't mean to—"

Erza, equally flustered, coughed and turned away, arms crossed. "J-Just… get moving."

Naruto, still embedded in the tree, muttered, "Worth it."

The group had traveled deep into the mysterious forest of Galuna Island, the thick canopy overhead barely letting moonlight filter through. Erza walked ahead, her eyes scanning the surroundings, while Mira followed closely behind.

Naruto, walking slightly apart, had grown eerily silent.

The moment Mira had asked him that question, something inside him had cracked.

"Ne, Naruto-kun… Do you have a family?"

His breath hitched. A face surfaced in his mind—

A small girl with long, raven-black hair, her bright violet eyes staring up at him in adoration. Soft laughter echoed in his ears.

"Baka onii!"

"You're so infuriating, onii..."

"Onii-chan... I love you..."

His fists clenched. His body tensed. That name...

"Ze-chan..." He mutteredas as the memories flooded in.

"...I lost my sister two years ago."

Mira's quiet confession brought him back to reality. He turned his head slightly, watching as Mira clenched her dress in shaking hands. Tears welled up in her eyes, her voice barely holding together.

"She died when I took her on an S-Class mission. If I hadn't brought her… if I hadn't—"

SLAP.

Mira gasped as Erza's hand struck her cheek—not harshly, but firmly. A wake-up call.

"Enough! It's not your fault!" Erza's voice was sharp but filled with understanding. "What would Lisanna say if she saw you like this?!"

Mira froze.

Lisanna… what would she say?

'Nee-chan, you shouldn't cry over me forever. You have to keep smiling, no matter what!'

Her knees buckled, and she collapsed to the ground, sobbing. "I-I'm sorry…"

Erza knelt beside her, wrapping an arm around her trembling shoulders. "We all lost someone, Mira. Even if it hurts, we must keep living."

Naruto looked away.

He didn't join them. He couldn't.

He had learned that lesson a long time ago.

And yet… it still hurt.

Naruto exhaled, shaking off the ghosts of the past. "I can't sense them from here. We'll set up camp while I scout ahead." Without another word, he turned and walked into the darkness.

The moment he was alone, he let himself remember.

A century ago…

He saw a small girl running toward him, arms spread wide.

Her smile, so full of light.

Her laugh, so full of warmth.

And then—

Naruto squeezed his eyes shut. "Infuriating…"

A deep, bestial growl rumbled through the trees.

Naruto looked up, his eyes sharpening.

A towering creature emerged from the shadows, its massive frame shaking the ground with every step. Its glowing yellow eyes locked onto Naruto, filled with primal hunger.

"Great," Naruto muttered, cracking his knuckles. "I need a stress ball anyway."

The ocean air was filled with divine power as golden radiance bathed the water's surface. The very sea itself seemed to still in reverence as twelve golden wings spread wide, casting an ethereal glow across the boat and its passengers.

Floating effortlessly above the waves, his silver and gold armor gleaming, stood a man whose presence alone made the very air feel sacred. His long blonde hair flowed like strands of sunlight, and his blue eyes—filled with an ancient wisdom—locked onto the boat's passengers with a calm yet commanding gaze.

Gabriel's lips parted in surprise before curving into a joyous smile.

"Onii-sama?"

The archangel Michael descended, his feet gently touching the water's surface as though gravity itself dared not weigh upon him. He folded his wings, his expression softening as he looked at his sister.

"My dearest sister, how have you been?" His voice, warm yet powerful, carried a weight that made the very air hum with divine energy.

Lucy's breath hitched. This is Gabriel's brother?

Michael was nothing like she had imagined. He was celestial perfection incarnate, exuding the same overwhelming grace as Gabriel—but infinitely more imposing.

"Your brother is a girl?!" Natsu suddenly blurted out.

WHACK!

Gray smacked the back of his head. "He's clearly a guy, you idiot!"

Michael chuckled lightly, unfazed by the exchange. His eyes then shifted to Gabriel, his smile never faltering. "I am relieved to see you unharmed, Gabriel. However, I must ask that you return home immediately."

Gabriel blinked in confusion. "Return? Why? Has something happened?"

Michael's expression remained unreadable. "It is classified." He then turned to Lucy, regarding her with a calm but assessing gaze. "You must be her contractor."

Lucy, still overwhelmed, quickly bowed. "M-My name is Lucy Heartfilia!"

"Raise your head, child." Michael's tone was gentle but firm. "I am Michael, the Angel of Charity and leader of the Seraphs. I appreciate that you have formed a contract with my sister, but for now, I must take her with me."

Lucy gulped. She wasn't sure why, but even though Michael radiated pure kindness, something about him made her nervous. His power was suffocating, like standing before an entity far beyond mortal comprehension.

Michael turned back to Gabriel. "Come, Gabriel. Time is of the essence."

Before Gabriel could protest, Michael vanished in a pillar of divine light.

Gabriel turned back to Lucy. "I will return as soon as possible, Lucy-sama!" And with that, she too disappeared in a radiant flash.

Lucy exhaled, feeling as if she had just barely survived standing in the presence of a god. Her heart still pounded from the overwhelming encounter.

"That guy... was something else." Gray muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

Natsu crossed his arms. "Tch, he didn't even let us fight him!"

Lucy, still in shock, turned toward Akeno, who had remained eerily quiet throughout the entire exchange. "Akeno-san?"

Akeno sat gracefully, resting her chin on her hand, her expression unreadable. But then, a mischievous smile crept onto her lips. "Fufu~ You just met one of the most powerful beings in existence, Lucy. What a wonderful experience, ne~?"

Lucy stiffened. "W-Wait, what do you mean by that?!"

Akeno's violet eyes shimmered with amusement. "Michael-sama and Trihexia-sama… are among the oldest beings to have ever existed. They were one of the first beings created by God over three millennia ago."

Lucy's jaw nearly dropped.

"Three millennia?! You're telling me Michael and Trihexia are that ancient?!"

Akeno nodded. "Both were given dominion over their respective realms—Michael over Heaven and Trihexia over the Underworld. They are, in essence, the closest thing to true gods that remain."

A chill ran down Lucy's spine. "If they're both still here… then where is God?"

Akeno's smile faded slightly, her gaze drifting toward the horizon. "God is not like us. He has no physical form. His existence is nothing but pure energy and divine will."

Lucy furrowed her brows. "Then… where did He go?"

Akeno exhaled, a strange glint in her eyes. "That… is where the story becomes more interesting."

"God was corrupted."

Silence fell over the boat. Even Natsu and Gray, who had been half-distracted, immediately snapped to attention.

"What?" Lucy whispered.

Akeno tapped her fingers together. "Something… tainted Him. Twisted Him. He became something neither divine nor infernal—an entity of pure chaos."

Natsu frowned. "And?"

Akeno's expression darkened slightly. "He was sealed away, hidden somewhere in this world… by Alpha and Omega—two beings so powerful that they sacrificed everything to lock Him away."

Lucy swallowed hard. "And… no one knows where He was sealed?"

Akeno shrugged. "Who knows."

Akeno's lips curled into a teasing smile as she snapped her fingers.

The air around them warped, the very fabric of reality twisting as the sky turned an unnatural shade of deep crimson. The once-calm ocean vanished, replaced by an endless, churning sea of blood. The water bubbled violently, and twisted, skeletal hands reached up from the depths, clawing desperately at the wooden boat.

The temperature plummeted, and an eerie silence hung in the air.

Lucy froze.

Natsu, Gray, and even Happy gawked at the horrifying landscape before them.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Natsu yelled, instantly on guard.

Gray narrowed his eyes, stepping forward. "Where the hell did you take us, Akeno?"

Happy hid behind Lucy's leg, trembling. "T-This isn't normal! This isn't normal at all!"

"Welcome to Limbo~!" Akeno declared happily, spreading her arms as if she had just taken them on a lovely sightseeing cruise.

Lucy felt her soul leave her body. "A-Akeno-san! Can we LEAVE?!"

Her question quickly turned into a scream when she felt something cold touch her back.

"AKENO-SAAAAAAAN!"

Lucy whipped around and came face-to-face with a skeletal hand, its long, claw-like fingers dragging itself up the boat's railing. A hollow, gasping moan echoed from the blood-red sea below.

Gray summoned an ice lance, preparing to attack, while Natsu's fists ignited, ready to burn whatever this was.

Akeno laughed, seemingly unbothered by the hellscape around them. "Fufufu~ I suppose we're not ready for a full tour yet."

With another snap of her fingers, the world shifted again—the sky turned blue, the ocean became clear, and the warm sun returned as if nothing had ever happened.

Lucy immediately collapsed onto the floor of the boat, hugging herself. "W-What was that?! Why did you take us there?!"

Akeno simply giggled, her violet eyes twinkling. "Oh, just a little field trip. You're all learning so much today~"

"I LEARNED NOTHING EXCEPT I NEED A NEW PAIR OF UNDERWEAR!" Lucy shrieked.

Gray, still tense, glared at Akeno. "Tch. That place... was that really Limbo?"

Akeno nodded. "The border between life and death, where lost souls wander. It was once guarded by two of God's earliest creations—Alpha and Omega."

"Guardians?" Natsu crossed his arms, tilting his head. "Why would Limbo need guards?"

Akeno's smirk turned mysterious. "To keep something from escaping, of course."

A heavy silence fell over the boat.

Lucy swallowed hard. "Wait... does that mean something actually escaped from Limbo?"

Akeno didn't answer, simply tilting her head with a sly smile. "Now, now, Lucy, focus on what's important."

Lucy tried to push away the horrible, existential dread creeping up her spine.

Akeno, however, wasn't finished. She looked down at Lucy with an almost knowing gaze, her playful smirk softening.

"Missing someone?"

Lucy froze.

Her face instantly heated up, but she didn't deny it.

Akeno's smile widened. "Fufufu~ Interesting."

Lucy clenched her fists. Why am I not in denial?

Akeno had mentioned before that Naruto's presence affected her emotions. Was that what was happening? Was she really—

No.

Lucy shook her head. This wasn't about that. This was about strength.

"I... just want to prove that I can fight without his help," Lucy muttered.

Akeno raised a brow, intrigued.

"But... I feel so vulnerable without him beside me."

Lucy clenched her fists. What would she do if Naruto, Akeno, and Gabriel suddenly disappeared?

Her magic relied on others—on her spirits, on Naruto. She had no way to fight for herself. If she wanted to stand beside them in battle, she had to change.

She looked up, determination burning in her brown eyes.

"Akeno... can you help me get stronger?"

Akeno observed her carefully before a slow, knowing smile stretched across her face.

"Fufufu~ Just like the eyes of that brat."

Lucy didn't understand what she meant, but she didn't care. She needed strength.

Akeno nodded. "Well, I am supposed to do what you want. But are you truly ready for this?"

Lucy nodded firmly. "I'll do anything! I'll be strong enough to stand beside him—"

She froze, face burning red.

"—you guys! At battle! I meant YOU GUYS!"

Akeno giggled. "Ara ara~ Lucy, you're so cute when you're flustered."

Lucy wanted to die.

Akeno turned her gaze forward, watching the island grow closer.

"Your training starts now."

Naruto stepped through the dense undergrowth, his boots pressing lightly against the soft earth. The faint crackle of the campfire ahead mixed with the distant rustling of the night wind through the trees. As he emerged into the clearing, his sharp eyes took in the three tents neatly set up around the fire.

He sighed. Erza. Of course, she would be prepared for anything. The flames flickered gently, casting dancing shadows against the canvas of the tents, and he absently wondered if Lucy, Akeno, and Gabriel had even reached the island yet.

Knowing Gabriel, she probably insisted on taking the boat ride, eager to experience something new. Naruto silently thanked every god in existence that he wasn't there to endure the endless stream of innocent, yet painfully obvious questions she would ask. What makes a boat float, Naruto-kun? Why is the water blue, Naruto-kun? What if the ocean is just a big puddle, Naruto-kun?

A ghost of a smile tugged at his lips.

He wouldn't admit it aloud, but…

He liked being around Gabriel.

There was something about her—something that reminded him of the past. Of her. The way Gabriel looked at the world with wonder, how she sought knowledge with an earnest curiosity. It brought back memories he had tried to bury.

His thoughts shifted.

Lucy.

The more time he spent with her, the more he felt the weight of the past pressing against his chest. It was uncanny—almost unnatural—how much she resembled Layla Heartfilia. It wasn't just the face or the voice, but the mannerisms, the way she carried herself, the small quirks in her expressions. The same stubborn attitude, the same drive, the same dreams.

It infuriated him.

Not because he disliked it, but because it made it impossible to forget.

To forget Layla.

To forget Ze-chan.

Naruto clenched his fist, forcing himself back to the present.

"Naruto?"

He turned slightly. Mira stood at the entrance of her tent, the dim firelight reflecting in her sapphire eyes. Her silver hair shimmered in the glow as she stepped forward, hesitating for just a moment before sitting beside him on the log.

"You're still awake?" he asked, his voice quieter now.

Mira hugged her knees to her chest, staring at the flames. "I… can't sleep." A pause. "I'm sorry for my drama earlier."

Naruto didn't look at her. Instead, his gaze remained fixed on the sky—on the endless sea of stars above them.

"Don't worry. You're not the only one who's blamed themselves for someone's death."

Mira turned to him, her expression shifting. "I… I'm sorry for making you remember something painful." She bowed her head slightly, guilt lacing her words.

Naruto sighed, the corner of his lips pulling into a sad smile. "Like I said. Don't worry about it."

Mira felt warmth against her scalp as Naruto gently placed his hand on her head. Her face flushed slightly, surprised at the simple, comforting gesture. His touch was steady, grounding, as if telling her without words that she wasn't alone.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then, hesitantly, Mira found her voice again. "D-Do you mind if I ask… who that person was?"

The warmth disappeared as Naruto pulled his hand away.

The moment was gone.

His expression darkened, shadowed by the flickering firelight.

His lips barely moved as he spoke.

"My first contractor."

And in that instant, Mira realized—

Naruto had lost someone too.

Someone important.

The salty breeze of Galuna Island swept across the shore, carrying the rhythmic crashing of waves onto the beach. The golden sands were warm beneath their feet, but for Lucy Heartfilia, none of that mattered.

She was too busy gasping for air, collapsing onto the shore after a brutal swim from the ship.

Behind her, Akeno Asmodea stood with a pleased smile, her long ponytail swaying as she chuckled softly. The devil's violet eyes sparkled with amusement at the pathetic state of her trainee.

"She made me swim. No big deal," Lucy had thought. "Good exercise."

Then came the shark.

Lucy had never swum so fast in her life, especially not while screaming bloody murder the entire way. She had barely made it to shore before Akeno electrocuted the beast out of existence with a lazy flick of her wrist.

Now, the blonde celestial mage was sprawled across the sand, trembling with exhaustion and rage.

Meanwhile, Natsu Dragneel had his own priorities—his stomach was kissing the ground, his fingers clutching the sand as he muttered words of pure joy.

"Land... beautiful, sweet, unmoving land..."

A peaceful moment.

Then—WHAM!

Gray Fullbuster's foot collided with the back of Natsu's head, sending his face straight into the sand.

Lucy coughed, shaking herself out of her near-death experience, only to snap her head toward Akeno, who was grinning ear to ear.

"Fufufu~ Not bad for a newbie. Now for your next test..."

Lucy tensed, bracing herself for some hellish, over-the-top training that would push her to her absolute limits. She knew Akeno by now. This was going to be brutal.

Her heart pounded, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios—

Will I be fighting demons? Sparring against Natsu? A survival test in the jungle?!

Then Akeno clapped her hands together and smiled innocently.

"Strip!"

"...Eh?"

Lucy blinked. She must have misheard that.

"Your next training is stripping!" Akeno announced proudly.

The blonde celestial mage stared at her, waiting for the joke. Surely, Akeno was messing with her.

But the devil remained serious.

"A-ARE YOU JOKING?! WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS THAT?!" Lucy shrieked, face redder than Erza's hair.

Akeno merely placed a hand on her hip, shaking her head. "Fufufu~ You must learn my golden rule: 'They can look, but only Naruto-kun can touch!' "

Lucy felt all the life drain out of her body.

"THAT'S NOT A RULE!"

Akeno hummed in amusement, then placed a finger on Lucy's forehead, lightly pushing it. "Tsk, tsk. You don't understand, Lucy."

Lucy's eyebrow twitched violently. "Understand WHAT exactly?!"

Akeno's expression turned deadly serious. "In battle, you might experience wardrobe malfunctions. A torn shirt, a ripped skirt, a snapped bra strap—one moment of distraction, and you're dead. Or worse..."

Lucy gulped as Akeno leaned in closer, whispering into her ear.

"You could be captured and violated~"

Lucy shuddered. She wasn't sure what was scarier—Akeno's matter-of-fact tone or the gentle giggle that followed it.

Akeno straightened up, clapping her hands. "Golden rule number one for female warriors: seduction is our number one weapon!"

Lucy scowled. "That's YOUR number one weapon! Not mine!"

Akeno shrugged. "One day, you'll thank me."

Lucy muttered something under her breath but then turned her head toward Natsu and Gray. The two were still rolling around in the sand, punching each other like feral animals.

"Y-You expect me to strip with them watching?!" Lucy gulped.

Akeno smirked. "Exactly. If you can do this in front of them, nothing will fluster you in battle."

Lucy wanted to crawl into a hole and die. But she realized there was no winning against Akeno. If she resisted, the devil would undress her herself.

That... that would be worse.

With trembling fingers, Lucy grabbed the hem of her shirt. She was already sweating—not from the heat, but from the sheer embarrassment. Slowly, she began lifting it up—

Akeno bit her lower lip, clearly enjoying the show.

Lucy glared at her.

"You are the worst."

Akeno winked.

Lucy sighed, her hands shaking as she prepared to die of humiliation—

"What are you doing?"

Lucy and Akeno froze.

The voice was unmistakable.

Slowly, both women turned toward the shoreline.

Standing there, arms crossed, blue eyes filled with mild disappointment, was none other than—

"Naruto?!"

The blonde devil face-palmed.

He took in the scene—Lucy half-undressed, Akeno looking way too entertained, Natsu and Gray still brawling like idiots.

"Infuriating... I got worried for nothing."

Lucy dropped her shirt instantly, her face burning with shame. "T-THAT'S NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!"

Akeno giggled beside her. "Fufufu~ Oh, Naruto-kun, your timing is perfect as always~"

Naruto let out a long, tired sigh. "I should've let you all drown."

Heaven

The celestial halls of Heaven's Grand Cathedral shimmered with divine radiance, its towering golden pillars stretching endlessly into the sky. A table of purest white marble, infused with inscriptions of holy scriptures, stood at the center of a grand chamber, surrounded by the highest of Heaven's warriors—Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel—the Four Great Seraphs.

The air was heavy with anticipation. Something dire had called them together.

Michael, seated at the head of the table, clasped his hands before him, his ever-serene golden gaze scanning his brethren. They were waiting.

The first to break the silence was Raphael.

"I was in the middle of important work, Michael," she huffed, crossing her arms in irritation.

Her long golden hair cascaded down her back, starry eyes gleaming with celestial light. She wore a pair of white gloves and stockings, both adorned with delicate lace, the epitome of grace and refinement partnered with a celestial robe that shows her divinity. But despite her frustration, her gaze momentarily shifted to Gabriel, who was fidgeting excitedly in her seat.

Raphael's brow twitched.

"And what," she began, voice sharp, "is that indecent outfit you're wearing, Gabriel?"

Gabriel perked up at the mention of her name, standing up from her chair with a radiant smile.

"My contractor said I need to wear this to blend in with humans!" She twirled, showing off her new attire—a soft pink sweater and snug short shorts. "It's super comfortable too!"

"..." Raphael bit her lower lip, barely suppressing the urge to admit that she actually found the outfit cute. For a brief moment, she even pictured herself wearing it—

She immediately shook the thought away.

Uriel, seated across from Gabriel, chuckled at her antics. His scarlet hair and piercing blue eyes stood in stark contrast to his heavy silver-and-red armor, the gleaming steel a symbol of his indomitable will.

"And how was your time in the human world?" he asked, his voice deep and resonant, filled with genuine curiosity.

Gabriel's eyes sparkled with joy. "It was amazing! There are so many things humans have that we don't! So much food! So much music! And Lucy-sama is so kind—she even lets me sleep in her bed!"

Raphael groaned, rubbing her temple. "You're far too trusting, Gabriel..."

"I'm sorry to interrupt," Michael interjected, his voice laced with authority. "But this meeting is urgent. Trihexia has had a vision."

The mood shifted instantly.

The light-hearted atmosphere was crushed by the weight of Michael's words. The room grew silent as the Seraphs straightened, their divine auras intensifying.

Raphael frowned. "A vision?"

Michael nodded. "She contacted me directly. She foresaw the appearance of a dark angel."

The three Seraphs stiffened.

Uriel's expression darkened, his hands clasped before him as he rested his chin on them. "A fallen?"

"No," Michael corrected, his golden eyes sharp. "Trihexia was very specific. The figure in her vision possessed twelve wings and a red halo."

A moment of complete silence followed.

Raphael's face paled. "A fallen… with a halo? That is not possible. Even for us."

Uriel exhaled slowly, his fingers tapping against the marble table.

"Onii-sama," Gabriel finally spoke, concern evident in her voice. "Do we have any suspects? Any leads?"

Michael's expression remained grim.

"We have only one logical suspect."

The tension in the room reached its peak.

A dreadful realization settled upon the Seraphs before Michael even spoke the words.

"Ourselves."

Raphael shot to her feet, slamming her hands against the table. The entire cathedral trembled under the force of her outburst.

"WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, MICHAEL?!" she demanded, golden flames flickering in her irises. "Are you seriously suggesting that one of us—one of the Four Seraphs of Heaven—has fallen?!"

Gabriel quickly placed a gentle hand on Raphael's arm, trying to calm her.

"Please, Raphael, listen," she urged, her expression troubled. "Onii-sama wouldn't say this without reason..."

Raphael clenched her jaw, but she reluctantly sat back down, fury still evident in her starry gaze.

Michael sighed, his own expression heavy with the burden of truth.

"Trihexia is already conducting her own investigation," he stated, his voice low. "She is keeping her distance from us... and if she discovers that the dark angel in her vision was truly one of us—"

Michael closed his eyes.

"There will be war."

A heavy silence filled the chamber.

Uriel's fingers tightened into a fist. "Tch. So, that's her play... She will use this as an excuse to launch a full-scale conflict between Heaven and the Underworld."

Raphael crossed her arms, still seething. "Trihexia has always distrusted us. Now she has a reason."

Gabriel looked between her brothers and sister, her innocent expression troubled. "But we don't even know if the figure in her vision is truly one of us!"

Michael nodded solemnly. "Which is why we must be careful. Any misstep now could mean disaster."

Uriel sighed, running a hand through his scarlet locks. "So what is our course of action, then?"

Michael's golden gaze hardened.

"We prepare."

"For what?" Raphael snapped.

Michael's voice was grim.

"For the possibility that the greatest enemy we will ever face… is one of our own."

Raphael's appearance is based on Misaki from Toaru Majutsu No Index.

Uriel's is Reinhard from Re:zero